Behold the first letter from Stanley Kubrick to science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke asking for his help penning a "really good science-fiction movie." Five years later, the result was 2001: A Space Odyssey. Amazing.

Here's the most interesting part:

I had been a great admirer of your books for quite a time and had always wanted to discuss with you the possibility of doing the proverbial "really good" science-fiction movie.

My main interest lies along these broad areas, naturally assuming great plot and character:

The reasons for believing in the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life.

The impact (and perhaps even lack of impact in some quarters) such discovery would have on Earth in the near future.

A space probe with a landing and exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Roger tells me you are planning to come to New York this summer. Do you have an inflexible schedule? If not, would you consider coming sooner with a view to a meeting, the purpose of which would be to determine whether an idea might exist or arise which could sufficiently interest both of us enough to want to collaborate on a screenplay?

Discovered by the folks over at Letters of Note (a treasure trove of beautiful past letters).